Salon Tool Storage Assembly and Method of Use

Abstract

A storage assembly for corded salon tools, particularly a storage assembly adapted for the storage of one or more corded hair styling tools in a compact configuration with easy access and a reduced risk of cord entanglement.

Description

This disclosure relates generally to devices for the storage of hair salon and barber shop accessories. Specifically, the disclosure is of a storage assembly for use in hair salons or barber shops. The disclosed assembly allows for the storage of multiple corded hair styling tools in a compact configuration with easy access to tools and reduced risks of cord entanglement and tripping hazards.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Corded hair styling tools such as clippers, curling irons, hair driers and the like are regularly used in hair salons and barber shops.

The storage of stylists' tools in a salon or barber shop environment is problematic. Hair salons tend to have multiple work stations for hair stylists. Such work stations must meet the dimensional requirements of commercial floor plans. Floor plans defining multiple work stations necessitate compact work station configurations. For instance, conventional salon and barbershop floor plans allow work stations to have a width of five to six feet. Such dimensional limitations limit available storage space for a stylist's equipment which typically includes a number of corded styling tools.

It is customary for salon stations to store styling tools having the cords plugged into an electrical socket to facilitate tool use during styling sessions. Sessions often require the repeated removal and replacement of tools, through which cords become tangled and entwined with one another. This complicates a stylist's use of tools, creates a visually unattractive tangle of cords, can damage cords over time and can create tripping hazards at work stations.

While storage station for the storage of multiple corded hair styling tools within a salon are known, these stations do not properly account for the storage of multiple, plugged-in corded hair styling tools for use in a salon station within compact salon dimensional requirements.

A primary problem with existing storage systems is that they do not appropriately accommodate styling tool cords which are typically eight feet in length or longer. Without attention to the recoiling and locating of cords of such length after each use, portions of such cords become entangled with themselves and/or with other stored cords. As a stylist typically must use and reuse corded tools over work sessions without the time to address cord management, cord entanglement becomes inevitable.

Existing storage systems fail to allow for the easy removal and replacement of corded hair styling tools within a compact salon work station. Known systems do not fit well within work stations and cannot be easily accessed by a stylist multiple times over work sessions. As the storage of hot corded hair styling tools such as curling irons, hair straighteners, hair dryers and the like must be conducted with care within a compact work station floor plan to prevent potential stylist and client burn risks, this storage problem is exacerbated.

Thus, there is a need for an improved salon tool storage system that overcomes these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein is a salon tool storage assembly and its method of use. The assembly is adapted for installation within the existing structure of an existing salon or barber salon work station or for inclusion with new station builds.

The assembly is adapted for installation within the boundaries of compact salon and barber salon work stations to allow storage and access to multiple corded styling tools for repeated removal and replacement over styling sessions without tangling or entwining tool cords. The assembly allows for the secure and safe storage of hot corded hair styling tools to overcome the potential burn contact.

The assembly allows for the storage of multiple corded styling tools so that tool cords are retained above a salon site floor to eliminate tripping hazards.

Other objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent as the description proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing sheets illustrating the assembly and its method of use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disclosed assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembly;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the assembly;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the assembly;

FIG. 6 provides detail perspective views of a number of salon tool supports for use with the assembly;

FIG. 7 is front view of the assembly having a number of corded styling tools installed therein;

FIG. 8 is front view of the assembly in an alternate configuration having a number of corded styling tools installed therein;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment assembly;

FIG. 10 is an alternate perspective view of the second embodiment assembly;

FIG. 11 is a further alternate perspective view of the second embodiment assembly;

FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of the second embodiment assembly;

FIG. 13 is sectional side view of the second embodiment assembly having a number of corded styling tools installed therein;

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of a third embodiment assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the fourth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the fourth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the fourth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 19 is front view of the fourth embodiment assembly having a number of corded styling tools installed therein;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 21 is an alternate perspective view of the fifth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of the fifth embodiment assembly;

FIG. 23 is sectional side view of the fifth embodiment assembly having a number of corded styling tools installed therein;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment assembly; and

FIG. 25 provides a detail perspective view of a cord-management support for use with the sixth embodiment assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 7 disclose a first embodiment storage assembly 10.

Storage assembly 10 has a support column 12. Support column 12 has a generally rectangular cubic body 14 and may be formed from a rigid material including wood, plastics, metals or the like.

As shown in the figures, support column 12 may be made up of a number of body walls including a front wall 16, opposed side walls 17, 18 and top wall 20. Walls 16, 17, 18, 20 generally define an internal cavity 22. In embodiments, support column 12 may include one or more rear beams 24 extending between opposed side walls 17, 18 as shown in FIG. 4 to provide rigidity to column 12. In embodiments, beams 24 may be adapted to engage mounting brackets 26. As shown in the figures, mounting brackets 26 may be generally L-shaped, having bracket rear wall 28 and internal wall 30. Rear wall 28 may have apertures 32 extending therethrough to facilitate affixing brackets 26 to a vertical wall or like mounting surface with a conventional fastener. Internal wall 30 may include a wire aperture 34 to facilitate the routing of wires within internal cavity 22 as explained in greater detail herein.

Support column 12 front wall 16 is generally rectangular in shape having a major vertical axis 36 extending from column top 38 to column bottom 40. In embodiments, support column 12 may extend approximately 66 inches between column top 38 and column bottom 40.

Support column 12 front wall 16 includes a number of storage shelves 42 and salon tool supports 44.

As shown in the figures, storage shelves 42 may be generally rectangular in shape, extending normally from front wall 16 and having an upwardly-extending retention lip 46. In embodiments, front wall 16 may include one or more cord apertures 48 located above a storage shelf 42 and extending through front wall 16 to internal cavity 22 to facilitate the routing of wires as explained in greater detail herein.

Salon tool supports 44 are made up of a tool capture element 50 and a support mounting bracket 52.

Tool capture element 50 is made up of a single curved wall 54 or multiple flat walls 54 which define a tool capture cavity 56 having a cavity mouth 58. In embodiments, walls 54 and cavity 56 may have a generally cylindrical shape adapted to engage a generally cylindrical portion of a salon tool. In alternate embodiments, rectangular walls 54 and cavity 56 may have different shapes adapted to appropriately engage like-shaped portions of a salon tool. See FIG. 6.

Support mounting bracket 52 may be generally L-shaped, having a mounting wall 62 and a flange wall 64. Mounting wall 62 includes a pair of mounting apertures 66 to facilitate affixing salon tool supports 44 to front wall 16 through use of a conventional fastener 68. Flange wall 62 includes an aperture through which a corresponding tool capture element 50 is attached.

In embodiments, tool capture element 50 may be mounted to front wall 16 at an angle 70 relative to minor horizontal axis 72 extending perpendicularly to major axis 36. Likewise, flange wall 64 and cavity mouth 58 are located at like angle 70 relative to minor axis 72. In assembly 10, this orients flange wall 64 and cavity mouth 58 of salon tool supports 44 to generally face toward one side of support column 12. As shown in FIG. 2, this may be toward side wall 18. This configuration facilitates the storage of corded salon tools as explained in greater detail below. In embodiments, angle 70 may be in a range of approximately 10 to 30 degrees.

As shown in the figures, assembly 10 salon tool supports 44 may be located in a vertical configuration relative to one another extending generally parallel to major axis 36 as shown in FIG. 2.

While the application figures showing use of five salon tool supports 44, embodiments of assembly 10 are contemplated having a different numbers of salon tool supports 44, including an embodiment having a single salon tool support 44.

Support column 12 front wall 16 also includes an electrical supply 74 mounted proximate column top 38. Electrical supply 74 has one or more electrical outlets 76 adapted for receiving conventional power cord plugs. Electrical outlets 76 may be located in a vertical configuration relative to one another extending generally parallel to major axis 36 as shown in in FIG. 2.

Power may be provided to electrical supply 74 by wires routed through internal cavity 22.

In embodiments, electrical supply 74 may be a multiplex electrical outlet having multiple conventional electrical outlets 76 as shown in the figures. In such embodiments, a power cord for the multiplex electrical outlet is routed through internal cavity 22 to a conventional wall outlet of the like to supply power thereto. In alternate embodiments, electrical supply 74 may also be an electrical utility box or like fixture having one or more conventional electrical outlets with power lines routed through internal cavity 22.

As shown in the figures, electrical supply 74 is located above storage shelves 42 and salon tool supports 44. In embodiments, one or more electrical outlets 76 may be located directly above storage shelves 42 and salon tool supports 44 along a vertical axis parallel to major axis 36.

Support column 12 side wall 18 has a cord-management support 78 mounted thereto by a mounting plate 80 and conventional fasteners 82.

Cord-management support 78 is located generally proximate column top 38 and between electrical supply 74 and salon tool supports 44 along major axis 36.

As shown in the figures, cord-management support 78 may be formed from a generally rigid wire 84 having a loop portion 86 for containing cords therein as explained in greater detail below.

The use of a cord-management support having different elements than support 78 is contemplated, including supports having rigid restraints such as hooks, apertures through solid bodies and the like, flexible restraints such as ties, hooks and loops type ties as well as other elements capable of engaging and securing power cords extending between electrical supply 74 and salon tool supports 44 as explained in greater detail herein.

Support column 12 side wall 18 also has an electrical outlet 88. Electrical outlet 88 may be used to provide power to cells phones, tablets or like objects stored on a proximate shelf 42. As shown in the figures, Outlet 88 may be a USB-type outlet. In alternate embodiments, outlet 88 may be another type of electrical outlet.

Support column 12 top wall 20 has a cord aperture 90. Aperture 90 may be used to route electrical cords or other elements between the exterior of storage assembly 10 and internal cavity 22. Aperture 90 may be used to route electrical cords into internal cavity 22 from a source located above assembly 10, such as a ceiling cavity.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate configuration assembly 10′. Assembly 10′ has a mirror-image configuration to assembly 10 having salon tool supports 44 mounted to front wall 16 so that flange wall 64 and cavity mouth 58 of salon tool supports 44 generally face toward one side of support column 12, in this case toward side wall 17. As with assembly 10, this configuration facilitates the storage of corded salon tools as explained in greater detail below. Specifically use of either allows for the installation of an assembly 10 or 10′ that is customizable to specific salon floorplan requirements to allow access to stored tools regardless of other salon structural features such as walls, columns and the like. The use of either assembly 10 or 10′ may also facilitate use of assembly 10 by either right-handed or left-handed stylists.

FIGS. 9 through 13 disclose a second embodiment storage assembly 100.

Storage assembly 100 has a rectangular cubic body 110 in the general form of a storage cabinet, and may be formed from a rigid material including wood, plastics, metals or the like.

As shown in the figures, assembly 100 is generally rectangular in shape and is made up of six body walls: right side wall 112, front wall 114, rear wall 116, left side wall 118 and top and bottom walls 120, 122.

In embodiments, assembly 100 may be approximately 84 inches high between top wall 120 and assembly bottom wall 122. In embodiments assembly 100 may be 21 inches wide between front and rear walls 114, 116. In embodiments assembly 100 may by 7 inches deep or more between side walls 112, 118.

In embodiments, assembly 100 may have a top soffit element 123 located above top wall 120. As shown in the figures, top soffit element 123 may be generally rectangular in shape and be used to integrate assembly 100 within certain salon build plans. Top soffit element 123 may be used conceal electrical cords routed to the interior of assembly 100 from a source located above assembly 100, such as a ceiling cavity.

In embodiments, assembly right side wall 112 includes wall opening 124 to allow access to internal assembly storage cavity 126. Opening 124 may include a removable barrier 128 that can be actuated as a physical barrier to allow access through opening 124 into cavity 126. As shown in the figures, barrier 128 may be a set of blinds that is actuated upwardly and downwardly to allow access into cavity 126. Use of other barriers, including one or more flexible curtains, one or more cabinet doors, a sliding glass door, or other barrier means are also contemplated. In further embodiments of the storage assembly, elements of assembly 10 may be mounted directly to a generally flat panel mounted within a cubic body having a storage cavity accessible through a sliding door element. The sliding door element may replace a side wall and hinges and shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 to allow access to a storage cavity 126. In specific embodiments, the sliding door element may include an outwardly-facing mirror.

In embodiments, cavity 126 may be open to the exterior of assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 10, this may be accomplished through the use of a set of hinges 130 between walls 112 and 116 to allow wall 112 to be pivoted open relative to the reminder of assembly 100.

Assembly front wall 114 may include one or more storage cavities 132 proximate top wall 120. In embodiments, a storage cavity 132 may include a storage shelf 134. An electrical outlet 136, such as a USB outlet or another standard electrical outlet, may be located adjacent storage cavities 132 and shelves 134. Storage cavity 132 may be used to store stylist hair products or other items. Shelf 134 may be used to store electrical objects such as cells phones, tablets or the like. Electrical outlet 136 may be used to provide power to electrical objects on shelf 134.

Assembly front wall 114 may also include one or more foldable panels 138 for holding a salon tool, such as a cordless trimmer. Panels 138 are jointed to wall 114 by a hinge element 140 and include may include a handle element 142. In embodiments, a panel 138 may include an internal shelf 143.

Assembly rear wall 116 may include an aperture 144 extending through wall 116 and into cavity 126. In embodiments, aperture 144 may be used to direct power cords into cavity 126 in order to supply power to assembly outlets and/or other assembly elements. When installed within a salon, assembly 100 rear wall 116 may be positioned against a salon wall or like surface.

Assembly bottom wall 122 may be adapted to mount storage assembly 10 to a floor or to another support surface within a salon work station.

In embodiments, assembly 100 may have a bottom soffit element 146 located below bottom wall 122. As shown in the figures, bottom soffit element 146 may be generally rectangular in shape and be used to integrate assembly 10 within certain salon build plans.

FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of storage assembly 100 having side wall 112 removed to illustrate elements within cavity 126.

Cavity 126 includes salon tool-storage cavity 148 and power-supply cavity 150 located proximate top wall 120 and above cavity 148.

Cavity 126 has a generally rectangular cross-section having a major vertical axis 152 extending generally between assembly top and bottom walls 120, 122 and a minor horizontal axis 154 extending generally between assembly front and rear walls 114, 116.

Assembly 100 wall 118 includes a number of salon tool supports 156 located in tool-storage cavity 130.

Salon tool supports 156 may be substantially identical to salon tool supports 44 described above, having a tool capture element and a support mounting bracket having mounting apertures to facilitate affixing salon tool supports to wall 118 through the use of one or more conventional fasteners as shown in the figures.

In embodiments, assembly 100 salon tool supports 156 may be located in first and second groups 158, 160 located adjacent walls 114 and 116 respectively. As shown in the figures, first group 158 is located proximate wall 114 and is made up of two salon tool supports 156 vertically offset from each other along major axis 152. Similarly, second group 160 is located proximate wall 116 and is made up of three salon tool supports 156 vertically offset from each other along major axis 152. See FIG. 12.

In embodiments, salon tool supports 156 in first and second groups 158, 160 are vertically offset from each other along major axis 152. As shown in the figures, this locates supports 156 in an alternating pattern along opposed walls 114, 116 so that supports on opposed sides of assembly 100 are vertically offset from one another. This location of supports 156 facilitates the positioning of tool power cords in assembly 100 as explained further herein.

While the application figures show use of five salon tool supports 156 in groups 158, 160, embodiments of assembly 100 are contemplated having a different number of salon tool supports, including an embodiment having a single salon tool support 156 located proximate wall 114 and a single salon tool support 156 located proximate wall 116 and an alternate embodiment having a single salon tool support 156.

In embodiments, the tool capture element of a salon tool supports 156 may be mounted to wall 118 at an angle 162 relative to minor axis 152. Likewise, the flange wall and cavity mouths of salon tool supports 156 are located at like angle 162 relative to minor axis 136. In specific embodiments, each salon tool support 156 faces generally toward the center of assembly 100 so that the supports 156 of first group 158 face the supports 156 of second group 160. This configuration facilitates the storage of corded salon tools as explained in greater detail below. In embodiments, angle 162 may be in a range of approximately 10 to 30 degrees. See FIG. 12.

In embodiments, assembly 100 wall 118 may include additional hooks or like conventional supports 164 for mounting additional accessories within assembly 100. For example, FIG. 12 shows the mounting of a hand mirror 166 to supports 164.

Assembly 100 salon tool-storage cavity 148 may include one or more cord hooks 168 or like restraints to facilitate organizing cords within cavity 148. FIG. 12 shows a pair of cord hooks 168 on wall 114.

Power-supply cavity 150 is separated from salon tool-storage cavity 148 by wall 170. Wall 170 includes an aperture 172 to facilitate the routing of wires between cavities 148 and 150 as explained in greater detail herein.

Power-supply cavity 150 includes an electrical supply 174 mounted to wall 118 proximate top wall 120. Electrical supply 174 may be similar to electrical supply 74 disclosed herein, having one or more electrical outlets 176 adapted for receiving conventional power cord plugs. Electrical outlets 176 may be located at different locations along to major axis 152 and minor axis 154. In embodiments, electrical supply 174 may be mounted to wall 118 at an angle 178 relative to minor axis 152 so that aligned outlets 176 are oriented at likewise angle 178 relative to minor axis 152.

In embodiments, electrical supply 174 may be a multiplex electrical outlet having multiple conventional electrical outlets as shown in the figures. In such embodiments, a power cord 180 for the multiplex electrical outlet is routed through cavity 126 and through an aperture in wall 170 downwardly along wall 116 to aperture 144 and outward from assembly 10 to a conventional power supply outlet.

In embodiments, power-supply cavity 150 may include one or more cord hooks 182 or like restraints to facilitate organizing cords within cavity 150. FIG. 12 shows a pair of cord hooks 182 on cavity wall 182.

Cavity 126 includes cord-management support 184 located in aperture 172 generally between cavities 148 and 150 and between electrical supply 174 and salon tool supports 156 along major axis 152.

As shown in the figures, cord-management support 184 may be formed from a generally rigid rod 186 for positioning cords as explained in greater detail below.

In embodiments, cord-management support 184 may be substantially identical to cord-management support 78 disclosed above. Likewise, the use of a cord-management support having different elements than support 184 is contemplated, including supports having rigid restraints such as hooks, apertures through solid bodies and the like, flexible restraints such as ties, hooks and loops type ties as well as other elements capable of engaging and securing power cords extending between electrical supply 174 and salon tool supports 156 as explained in greater detail below.

Use of assemblies 10 and 100 will now be described.

FIG. 7 is a front view of storage assembly 10 showing storage of a number of corded styling tools 200 therein. Each tool 200 has a corresponding power cord 202.

Each tool 200 is placed into a salon tool support 44 so that a portion of a tool 200 is located within a cavity 56 of an appropriately-shaped tool capture element 50. A cord plug 204 located at the free end of a cord 202 is inserted into an electrical outlet 76 at electrical supply 74.

Each tool 200 placed within a support 44 so that each corresponding power cord 202 extends away to a side of assembly 10 support column 12.

The orientation of salon tool supports 44, inclusive of tool capture element 50, determine whether power cords 202 extend away from column 12 adjacent to right side wall 17 or left side wall 18. As shown in FIG. 10, salon tool supports 44 face side wall 18, thus orienting power cords 202 adjacent to side wall 18. In the mirror-image configuration of assembly 10′ shown in FIG. 8, salon tool supports 44 face side wall 17, thus orienting power cords 202 adjacent to side wall 17.

The mounting of salon tool supports 44, at an angle 70 facilitates directing power cords 202 to one side or the other of support column 12.

Each cord 202 extends from a cord plug 204 downwardly from electrical supply 74 to cord-management support 78. Support 78 engages and holds each cord 202 to facilitate the positioning of power cords 202 to a side of support column 12. Each cord extends further downwardly from support 78 to a cord loop vertex 206 located proximate column bottom 40 and below cord-management support 78.

As shown in FIG. 7, each cord loop vertex 206 is located above a salon site floor 208. The positioning of tool power cords 202 above floor 208 so that they do not come in contact with floor 208 prevents cord entanglement and tripping hazards.

Cords 202 are extend generally parallel to one another along major axis 36 to one side of support column 12. Tool cords 202 are positioned by assemblies 10 and 10′ to form a generally parabolic or J-shape between a tool 200 in a salon tool support 44 and cord-management support 78.

The generally parabolic or J-shaped configuration of tool cord 202 locates that the majority of cord 202 vertically parallel to axis 36. This allows the storage of multiple cords 202 adjacent to support column 12 with a reduced entanglement risk between adjacent cords. In use by a stylist, individual tools 200 may be removed from and replaced to assembly 10 or 10′ without substantially disturbing or becoming entangled with other power cords located therein.

In use of assembly 100, tools 200 having longer cords 202 may be stored in a support 44 located proximate the top of the assembly to properly locate the cord 202 therein.

In embodiments, assembly 10 allows installation of cordless, battery powered salon tool 210 stored in a corresponding charger base on shelf 42. A power cord for the charger base cord may extend through aperture 48 to internal cavity 22 and power supply outlet 212.

As indicated, power cords for assembly elements such as electrical supply 74 and the charger base for salon tool 210 may be routed to the interior of assembly 10 or 10′ through internal cavity 22 and the bottom of the assembly to engage a conventional power supply outlet 212.

FIG. 13 is a side view of storage assembly 100 showing storage of a number of corded styling tools 200 therein. Each tool 200 has a corresponding power cord 202.

Similar to use of assembly 10, 10′, each tool 200 is placed into a salon tool support 156 so that a portion of a tool 200 is located within a support cavity of an appropriately-shaped tool capture element.

A cord plug 204 located at the free end of a cord 202 is inserted into an electrical outlet 176 at electrical supply 174.

Each tool 200 placed within a support 156 so that each corresponding power cord 202 extends away to the center of assembly cubic body 110 within tool-storage cavity 148.

As shown in the figures, the orientation of support 156, inclusive of a corresponding support tool capture element, determine the positioning of power cords 202 toward the center of assembly cubic body 110 within tool-storage cavity 148. As indicated herein, supports 156 located adjacent to side wall 17 face away from wall 17 and toward the center of cubic body 110, thus orienting power cords 202 away from wall 17 and toward the center of cubic body 110. Likewise, supports 156 located adjacent to side wall 18 face away from wall 18 and toward the center of cubic body 110, thus orienting power cords 202 away from wall 18 and toward the center of cubic body 110.

The mounting of salon tool supports 44, at an angle 162 facilitates directing power cords 202 toward the center of cubic body 110.

Each cord 202 extends from a cord plug 176 downwardly from electrical supply 174 to cord-management support 184. Support 184 engages and holds each cord 202 to facilitate the positioning of power cords 202 toward the center of cubic body 110. Each cord extends further downwardly from support 184 to a cord loop vertex 206 located proximate assembly bottom wall 122 and below cord-management support 184.

As shown in FIG. 13, each cord loop vertex 206 is located above the interior of bottom wall 122. The positioning of tool power cords 202 above wall 122 so that they do not come in contact with wall 122 prevents cord entanglement. Likewise, the positioning of tool power cords 202 above a salon site floor upon which assembly 100 is installed prevents potential cord tripping hazards.

Cords 202 are extend generally parallel to one another along major axis 152. Tool cords 202 are positioned by assembly 100 to form a generally parabolic or J-shape between a tool 200 in a salon tool support 156 and cord-management support 184.

The generally parabolic or J-shaped configuration of tool cord 202 locates that the majority of cord 202 vertically parallel to axis 156. This allows the storage of multiple cords 202 within assembly 100 with a reduced entanglement risk between adjacent cords. In use by a stylist, individual tools 200 may be removed from and replaced to assembly 100 without substantially disturbing or becoming entangled with other power cords located therein.

In use of assembly 100 tools 200 having longer cords 202 may be stored in a support 156 locate proximate the top of column 12 to properly locate the cord 202 adjacent column 12.

In embodiments, assembly 100 allows for the installation of an cordless, battery powered salon tool 210 stored in a corresponding charger base on shelf 143. A power cord for the charger base cord may be routed through the internal cavity of assembly 100, with any excess cord length contained by cord hooks 168.

In embodiments, assembly 100 allows for the storage of an electronic device 214, such as a cellular phone, computer tablet or the like on a shelf 134. Device may be powered though use of outlet 136. See FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment storage assembly 300.

Storage assembly 300 discloses the installation of a first embodiment storage assembly 10 within a rectangular body 310 having the general form of a storage cabinet similar to rectangular cubic body 110 described above.

Body 310 has right side wall (not shown), a front wall 312, a rear wall 314, a side wall 316 and top and bottom walls 318, 320.

In embodiments, the right side wall of body 310 may be similar to the right side wall 112 of assembly 100 as described above and adapted to allow access to the interior of body 310.

As shown in FIG. 14, storage assembly 10 is mounted directly to side wall 316. This allows for the installation of assembly 300 customizable to specific salon floorplans as well as to conceal salon tools and cords within body 310. In further embodiments, body 310 may be sized to include additional shelves or storage compartments to hold additional salon equipment.

In yet further embodiments, elements of assembly 10 may be mounted directly to the interior of one or more walls of body 310, similar to assembly 100 as described above.

Use of assembly 300 is similar to that of assemblies 10 and 100.

FIGS. 15 through 19 disclose a fourth embodiment storage assembly 400.

Assembly 400 is similar to first embodiment storage assembly 10 having many similar elements therewith. Assembly 400 includes use of an alternate embodiment cord-management support.

Cord-management support 410 is located generally proximate the top of assembly and between electrical supply 412 and salon tool supports 414.

Cord-management support 410 is formed from a generally rigid wire 416 mounted to an assembly side wall 418.

Cord-management support 410 includes a rigid wire element 420 extending to a cord-capture element 422. Cord-capture element 422 includes a number of curved, elongate loop portions 424, each loop portion 424 defining an elongate cord-capture cavity 426. The cord-capture cavities are adapted for containing tool cords as explained in greater detail below.

Embodiments of the assembly may have different numbers of curved loop portions 424 in a support 410. In specific embodiments, a support 410 may have the same number of curved loop portions 424 than the of salon tool supports 414 in an assembly 400. This can allow for a number individual tool cords to be individually secured by support 410 as explained in greater detail below. For example, as shown in the attached figures, support 410 may include five loop portions 424 corresponding to five assembly tool supports 414.

In embodiments, cord-management support 410 may further include a support strut element 428 located below rigid wire element 420 and a cord-capture element 424 and likewise mounted to assembly side wall 418. Strut element 428 helps provide structural support to cord-capture element 424 when it is used for containing tool cords.

Use of assembly 400 is similar to that of assembly 10 as described above.

FIG. 19 is a front view of storage assembly 400 showing storage of a number of corded styling tools 200 therein. Each tool 200 has a corresponding power cord 202 with a cord plug 204 is inserted into an electrical outlet at electrical supply 412.

Each tool 200 placed within a support 414 so that each corresponding power cord 202 extends away to a side of assembly 400.

Each cord 202 extends from a cord plug 204 downwardly from electrical supply 412 to cord-management support 410. Support 410 engages and holds each cord 202 within cord-capture element 422 to facilitate the positioning of power cords 202 to one side and away from storage assembly 400. As shown in the figures, an individual tool cord 202 may be placed within an individual curved loop portion 424 elongate cavity 426 to specifically capture and maintain the cords 202 in a desired position to one side and away from storage assembly 400. Each cord extends further downwardly from support 78 to a cord loop vertex 206 located proximate the bottom of the assembly and below cord-management support 410.

FIGS. 20 through 23 disclose a fifth embodiment storage assembly 500.

Assembly 500 is similar to the storage assemblies disclosed herein having many similar elements therewith.

Assembly 500 is broadly similar to assembly 100 disclosed above, having a rectangular cubic body.

As shown in the figures, assembly 500 is generally rectangular in shape and is made up of six body walls: a right side wall, front wall 502, rear wall 504, left side wall 506 and top and bottom walls 508, 509.

Assembly 500 includes the use of an alternate embodiment cord-management support 510 located generally proximate the top of assembly and between electrical supply 512 and salon tool supports 514.

Cord-management support 510 is formed from a generally rigid, planar board 516 mounted extending between assembly walls 502, 504 and away from assembly wall 506.

Cord-management support 510 includes one or more support apertures 518 extending through planar board 516. Each aperture 518 includes an apertures edge 520 extending about the boarder of aperture 518 and away from assembly wall 518.

The support apertures are adapted for containing tool cords as explained in greater detail below.

Use of assembly 500 is similar to that of assembly 100 as described above.

FIG. 23 is a front view of storage assembly 500 showing storage of a number of corded styling tools 200 therein. Each tool 200 has a corresponding power cord 202 with a cord plug 204 is inserted into an electrical outlet at electrical supply 512.

Each cord 202 extends from a cord 204 downwardly from electrical supply 512 to cord-management support 510. Support 510 engages the cords 202 to facilitate the positioning of power cords 202 toward the center of the cubic body of assembly 500 and between walls 502, 504. In particular, cords 202 are located in a support aperture 518 and engage apertures edge 520 to maintain the location of the cords in a desired toward the center of the cubic body of assembly 500 and between walls 502, 504.

Each cord extends further downwardly from support 510 to a cord loop vertex 206 located below cord-management support 510 and between walls 502, 504. Each cord loop vertex 206 is located above the interior of bottom wall 509.

The positioning of tool power cords 202 above wall 122 so that they do not come in contact with the interior surfaces of the walls of assembly 500 helps prevent cord entanglement.

Cords 202 are extend generally parallel to one another along the major axis of rectangular assembly 500. Tool cords 202 are positioned by assembly 100 to form a generally parabolic or J-shape between a tool 200 in a salon tool support 415 and cord-management support 510.

FIGS. 24 and 25 disclose a sixth embodiment storage assembly 600.

Assembly 600 is similar to alternate embodiment storage assemblies 100 and 500 having many similar elements therewith.

Assembly 600 includes use of an alternate embodiment cord-management support 610.

Cord-management support 610 is located generally proximate the top of assembly and between electrical supply 612 and salon tool supports 614.

Cord-management support 610 is similar in form to cord-management support 410 described above, formed from a generally rigid wire mounted to assembly wall 606.

Cord-management support 610 includes a rigid wire element 620 mounted to wall 606 and extending to a cord-capture element 622. Cord-capture element 622 includes a number of curved, elongate loop portions 624, each loop portion 624 defining an elongate cord-capture cavity 626. The cord-capture cavities are adapted for containing tool cords as in cord-management support 410.

Use of assembly 600 is similar to that of the assembly embodiments as described above, particularly assembly 600. Cord-management support 610 functions similarly to cord-management support 510 described above by engaging tool cords within a cavity 626 defined by a loop portion 624 to facilitate the positioning of power cords 202 toward the center of the cubic body of assembly 600.

While one or more embodiments of the assembly have been disclosed and described in detail, it is understood that this is capable of modification and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the precise details set forth but includes modifications obvious to a person of ordinary skill in possession of this disclosure and also such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.

Claims

1. A tool storage assembly comprising:

an assembly body having an assembly top and an assembly bottom and an assembly wall comprising a salon tool support located at a first position on said assembly wall, said salon tool support comprising a tool capture element mounted to the assembly wall;

a vertical axis extends between said assembly top and assembly bottom and a horizontal axis extends between opposed assembly sides;

said assembly body further comprising an electrical supply having a plurality of electrical outlets located at a second position above said first position, and said electrical outlets are positioned in a vertical configuration relative to each other along said vertical axis,

said assembly body further comprising a rigid cord-management support extending a distance away from said assembly body, said cord-management support located between said electrical supply and said salon tool supports;

a salon tool located in said tool capture element, said salon tool comprising a tool cord extending from said salon tool to a cord plug, said cord plug is plugged into one of said electrical outlets and said tool cord is configured to engage said cord containment element, said tool cord has a generally parabolic configuration, adjacent to said assembly body and having a cord linear portion extending generally parallel to said vertical axis, said tool cord comprising a loop vertex located below said cord-management support and said electrical outlets, said loop vertex located at least a portion of said distance away from said assembly body.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said salon tool support comprises a support mounting bracket, said support mounting bracket affixing said salon tool support to said assembly wall.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said rigid cord containment support comprises a wire.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said wire comprises a cord containment element located a distance away from said assembly body, said cord containment element engaging said tool cord.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein said cord containment element comprises a loop portion, said loop portion engaging said tool cord.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said cord containment element comprises a plurality of loop portions, wherein one or more of said plurality of loop portions define an elongate cord-capture cavity.

7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly wall is rectangular and comprises a storage cabinet having an internal assembly storage cavity, said salon tool support located within said storage cavity.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said tool capture element is generally cylindrical in shape.

9. A tool storage assembly comprising a first salon tool support located at a first position on an assembly wall, said salon tool support comprising a tool capture cavity;

said assembly wall having an wall top and a wall bottom and opposed first and second wall sides a vertical axis extending between said wall top and wall bottom and a horizontal axis extending between said first and second wall sides, wherein said tool capture cavity is tilted at an angle relative to said vertical axis;

said assembly body further comprising an electrical supply having a plurality of electrical outlets located at a second position above said first position and said first position and said second position is along said vertical axis;

said assembly body further comprising a cord-management support comprising a rigid support extending away from said assembly wall said cord-management support located between said electrical supply and said salon tool support;

a salon tool comprising a tool cord extending from said salon tool to a cord plug, said salon tool is located in said cavity and said cord plug is plugged into one of said electrical outlets and said tool cord is configured to engage said cord-management support, said tool cord oriented in a generally parabolic configuration and comprising a loop vertex located below said cord-management support and said electrical outlets.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said a cord-management support comprises a cord containment element located a distance away from said assembly body and wherein said tool cord is configured to engage said cord containment element.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said cord containment support comprises a wire.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said wire comprises a loop portion.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said wire comprises a plurality of loop portions, wherein one or more of said plurality of loop portions define an elongate cord-capture cavity.

14. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said assembly wall comprises a storage cabinet having an internal assembly storage cavity, said salon tool support located within said storage cavity.

15. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said tool capture cavity is generally cylindrical in shape.

16. A tool storage assembly comprising:

an assembly body having a front wall and opposed first and second side walls, said front wall extending vertically between a top of the assembly body and a bottom of the assembly body and the front wall spans horizontally between said opposed first and second side walls;

a first salon tool support comprising a generally L-shaped support mounting bracket and a tool capture cavity and affixed to said front wall;

an electrical supply having a plurality of electrical outlets located at a second position above said first position on said front wall;

a cord management support located at a third position on said assembly body, said third position between said first position and said second position, said cord management support comprising a rigid support extending away from said assembly body;

a salon tool located in said cavity of said first salon tool support, said salon tool comprising a tool cord, said tool cord extending from said salon tool to a cord plug, said cord plug is plugged into one of said electrical outlets and said tool cord is configured to engage said cord management support wherein said tool cord comprises a generally parabolic configuration having a cord linear portion extending from a loop vertex located below said salon tool to said cord containment element.

17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein said cord-management support comprises a cord containment element located a distance away from said assembly body and wherein said tool cord is configured to engage said cord containment element.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said cord containment element comprises a wire having a loop portion.

19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein said assembly wall comprises a storage cabinet having an internal assembly storage cavity, said salon tool support located within said storage cavity.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said tool capture cavity is generally cylindrical in shape.